What’s happening:
Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar has sent a direct and passionate message to the UN Secretary-General, pleading for the global body to avoid hindering Israel’s efforts in Gaza and to assist in combatting what he describes as the rule of evil by Hamas.
Why it matters:
Bar’s letter highlights a deep frustration within the Israeli leadership towards what they perceive as international apathy and a lack of understanding of the challenges Israel faces. Moreover, it underscores Israel’s sense of isolation in its struggle against what it views as a terrorist organization that threatens not only its own citizens but the stability of the region.
The details:
The Shin Bet leader’s letter to Antonio Guterres was laced with references to the UN’s founding principles and the October 7 massacre, where Jews were targeted by Hamas. Bar argues that the IDF operates with high moral standards, often compelled to act in civilian settings due to Hamas’s tactics. The letter emphasizes the suffering of both Israeli and Gazan civilians and calls for the UN’s assistance in restoring human rights and dignity in the region.
Between the lines:
Bar’s communication includes a recount of a meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, where he expressed concerns about instability in the Middle East, the risks of a broader conflict, and specific issues like arms smuggling into Gaza. He expresses disappointment over the lack of response to these concerns from the UN.
The backdrop:
On October 7, a devastating attack by Hamas resulted in the brutal murder of Israeli civilians. Bar equates the actions of Hamas to those of ISIS and illustrates a gruesome picture of violence and terror. The Shin Bet chief criticizes attempts to establish moral equivalence between Hamas’s actions and Israel’s defense measures.
Big picture:
The letter is a reflection of broader Israeli sentiment that the international community fails to grasp the true nature of the conflict and often displays what Israel perceives as a biased understanding that neglects the country’s security concerns and the terrorist nature of Hamas.
The bottom line:
Ronen Bar’s letter is not just a request for assistance but a call to recognize the stark realities of the conflict in Gaza. It is a plea for the international community, especially the UN, to acknowledge Israel’s fight against terrorism as part of the global struggle for human rights and security.
This story was first published on jpost.com.